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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-11-01 - AGENDA REPORTS - WASTE MANAGEMENT DIVISION (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council f 01i FROM: Jeff Kolin, Deputy City Manager, Public W -� � 9` DATE: _ November 1, 1994 SUBJECT: Waste Management Division Progress Report BACKGROUND Pursuant to the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939), the City of Santa Clarita is required by law to divert 25 % of its Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) from landfills by the year 1995, and 50% by the year 2000. This mandate is to be achieved through source reduction, recycling, composting and transformation methods. Although transformation is considered as a method in meeting the goals of AB 939, the diversion achieved through transformation cannot be realized until the year 2000. It is important to note that AB 939 has been amended through subsequent streamline legislation since its enactment into law. Assembly Bill 2494 (Sher) promulgated in 1992 enacted provisions which clarify existing law (AB 939) relative to the types of diversion activities which are counted towards the AB 939 goals. In essence, this bill replaces the method of measuring progress towards the AB 939 diversion goals by measuring changes in disposal, rather than changes in diversion, In other words, rather than measuring the diversion in overall commodities such as paper, glass, green waste, etc., changes in actual disposal tonnages at the landfills will be measured instead. The disposal tonnage reported to the State by the landfill operators for the City will then be compared to the City's 1990 base year disposal tonnage specified in the July 22, 1991 City Solid Waste Generation Study (SWGS). The State has adopted a methodology to adjust the 1990 base year disposal tonnages based on changes in population, taxable transactions and the consumer price index. Final regulations implementing AB 2494 are scheduled to be available from the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) in December 1994. Since the CIWMB has not yet adopted the regulations for AB 2494, the City has encountered challenges in implementing the recommendations set forth in the July 22, 1991 AB 939 Source Reduction and Recycling Element (SRRE). Attachment A includes a listing of programs identified in the City's SRRE, Some programs specified in 1991 focused primarily on diversion activities and how to count diversion rather than disposal. The enactment of AB 2494 shifted the City's emphasis from diversion based programs to disposal based f;\Fmsbniwae¢\cowvil\SdYsel.hjm Agenda Item: programs. Instead of implementing programs to measure diversion in both private and public entities, importance was placed on measuring actual tonnages refuse haulers dispose into landfills. As such, primary programs identified in the 1991 SRRE which would ultimately show a decrease in landfill 1994 disposal tonnages were aggressively pursued. Accordingly, the centerpiece of the City's solid waste diversion plan is the city-wide residential recycling program which has been implemented by the three franchised haulers: Atlas Refuse, Blue Barrel and Santa Clarita Disposal. Currently, approximately 32,113 single family households and 11,384 multi -family units have been given the opportunity to participate in the curbside recycling program. In July 1993, the City entered into semi -exclusive agreements with the three local haulers for the collection of refuse and recyclables from regularly scheduled commercial and industrial services. The recycling program offered to businesses through these agreements gave businesses an incentive to reduce refuse rates through recycling. Likewise, in June 1994, the City permitted 11 temporary service bin haulers (roll offs) to collect refuse and recyclables from large quantity generators. These haulers indicate that they recycle the majority of the materials they collect from their customers. DIVERSION THROUGH EXISTING PROGRAMS In order for the City to determine the progress of its recycling programs, two concepts have to be understood. First, it should be noted that the definition of total waste generated means total waste disposed plus total waste diverted for a specified period of time. The percent of diversion is then calculated by dividing the total waste diverted by the sum of the waste generated. Secondly, the recycling and disposal tonnages summarized at the state level are determined by sector share, the residential sector and the commercial/industrial sector. These tonnages are then compared to the City's adjusted 1990 base year disposal tonnage for that sector. Therefore, the City requests a quarterly report from all franchised and permitted haulers specifying their monthly disposal and recycling tonnages. The City's commercial and industrial sector recycling and disposal programs were established and implemented during fiscal year 1993-94. As such, only partial 1993 and 1994 figures are available. A full calendar year comparison to the City's adjusted 1990 base year will be available in early 1995. Additionally, due to the effects of the earthquake in January of this year, tonnages recycled or disposed of by the haulers for this sector would not be representative of a "normal" calendar year since the tonnages disposed at the landfill increased. As such, diversion for the commercial and industrial sector remains to be determined. In spite of the City's outstanding earthquake debris recycling program, the tonnages diverted through this program will not be counted towards the AB 939 goals. However, this program served as an example of how the Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris generated in the city on a regular basis can realistically be recycled. f; Urmebolwas�ekowcil�adyse I .hjm With regard to diversion, in the residential sector, it is easier to determine diversion rates because the City's recycling programs have been in existence since 1991. Based on the actual disposal and recycled tonnage reports from the residential franchised haulers, in 1992 and 1993 the City realized a 13 % and 12 % diversion respectively in the residential sector. This was due to the City's curbside, Christmas tree, telephone book and pilot yard trimmings recycling programs. While this diversion is favorable, for the residential sector, when compared with the combined residential and commercial/industrial sectors it represents only a 6% diversion towards the 1995 goal of 25% diversion. However, pursuant to AB 2494 and based on the subsequent State -approved base year adjustment method, the City has achieved a 46% diversion rate in the residential sector. This diversion was determined by using actual 1992 disposal tonnages reported by the haulers. Although the State has approved several cities' SRRE's and SWGS's, they acknowledge that the disposal tonnages identified in those reports were overestimated. As such, when those cities calculate their diversion rates using the adjustment method, they will have already realized the mandates of AB 939. The State is currently evaluating options to rectify this issue without forcing cities to redo their SWGS's. Taking into consideration the dynamic and uncertain nature of the state regulations, the City should proceed with meeting the. AB 939 goals in a conservative manner. The City should plan the implementation of new or expanded diversion programs predicated on the 6% diversion rate. EXPANDED/NEW DIVERSION PROGRAMS To ensure compliance with the AB 939 goals for 1995, it is essential to implement the following programs: 1995 Implementation • Fully implement the pilot yard trimmings and wood recycling program. (19.6% of the waste stream) • Establish an ordinance prohibiting greenwaste in the trash. • Establish a mandatory City-wide recycling and trash collection ordinance. • Establish a refuse collection service exemption permit. (self -haul) • Target paper and cardboard recycling in both the residential and commercial sectors. (33 % of the waste stream) • Continue recycling (C&D) debris and household and hazardous waste recycling. (11.6% of the waste stream) 2000 Implementation • Establish a variable can rate collection system for single family units. • Encourage the development of Material Recovery Facilities QVI F), Transfer facilities within the Santa Clarita Valley. Although these programs appear simple to implement, many are controversial in nature and will require policy decisions. Moreover, programs such as the yard trimmings collection and the expansion of paper recycling will result in direct collection rate increases to residents. With regard to the development of MRF's and C&D,recycling facilities, a conscientious decision has to be made as to the size and location of these facilities. The City's General Plan identifies very limited areas of zoning for industrial activities which may include MRF's and C&D recycling facilities. Furthermore, the State has not published guidelines as to the siting or permit requirements for non -disposal type facilities. URBAN LANDFILL POLICY In recent months, local environmental groups opposed to the siting of a landfill in Elsmere Canyon have requested that the City take a position to oppose the siting of all urban landfills in populated areas. If the City supports this position, it may be faced with challenges in securing disposal capacity when current landfills reach their permitted capacity. Direct staff to implement the 1995 programs identified as Expanded/New Diversion Programs. f;Vnmclsol��lWYssl.hjm ATTACHMENT A SOURCE REDUCTION RECYCLING ELEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS COMPLETED PROGRAMS PLANNED IMPLEMENTATION DATE ■ Earth Month Fair 1991 - Earth Day Fair ■ Retail Environmental Coupons 1991 - Volunteer Program ■ Integrated Waste Management Seminars 1992 - Chamber of Commerce & VIA ■ One -Time Required Business Audit 1993 - Commercial Contract (Hauler) ■ Residential & Commercial Code Ordinance 1993 - Resolution # 93-97 ONGOING PROGRAMS ■ Live Christmas Tree Planting ■ Multi -Family Franchise Agreement ■ Tree Service Residential Yard Waste - Mulch ■ City Hall Source Reduction Program ■ Call-in Talk Show ■ Master Composter Program ■ Technical Resource Library ■ Legislative Review ■ Public Education Literature ■ Commercial Recycling Contract ■ Private Collection of Industrial Materials ■ Large Commercial Generators Recycling ■ Pilot Yard Trimming Collection FUTURE PROGRAMS ■ Yard Trimmings/Recycling ■ Mail "How to Compost" ■ Mandatory Recycling Ordinance ■ Residential Xeriscape Ordinance ■ Multi -Family Lawn Ordinance ■ Backyard Composting Ordinance ■ Tree Service Commercial - Mulch ■ Material Recovery Facility at Landfill ■ Compost Facility at Landfill ■ Tires/Rubberized Asphalt LONG TERM PROGRAMS ■ Community Garden ■ SR Curriculum Grants Competition ■ Business Xeriscape Ordinance ■ Thrift Store Pickup: Appliance/Fumiture ■ Publicize - County Dead Animal Collection ■ Mail "How to - Variable Can Rates" f;Uvnrbolwae�cimwwihedyul.hjm 1991 1991 1992 1991 1992 1992 - L.A. County 1992 1992 1992 1993 1994 1993 - Commercial Contract (Hauler) 1993 1995 1994-95 1994-95 1995-96 1995-96 1995-96 1995-96 Chiquita Expansion (EIR) Chiquita Expansion (EIR) Recycling Market Development Zone 1996-99 1996-99 1996-99 1996-99 1996-99 1996-99 City Council Study Session (notes) November 1, 1994 Call to order: 7 p.m. Roll call: All present, with the exception of Mayor George Pederson Flag Salute: Councilmember Clyde Smyth #1 Jeff Kolin, Dir. of Public Works, presented Item 41 which deals with Waste Management Division Progress report. He also presented slides (see attachments). Council discussion Heidt - shredding possibilities, and what about batteries, where should they be' taken. Florescent light bulbs were a concern also. Packages products such as cereal products, more recycling efforts should be done regarding these. Someone should go around to stores, helping with breakdown of trash. Boyer - How do they figure variable can rate, and question regarding diversion of slide #5 - how is green waste picked up. Wanted explanation of the test of 32 gallon green waste plan. Smyth - When is preliminary rate going to be presented? Jeff Kolin stated_ that it would be December or January. Darcy - Public education - what are we doing? What kind of announcements are being done, and what kind of advertising. What are the figures on how much " (percentage wise) is done through the recycling machines at grocery stores. Does the City get money back? Hazel Joanes stated that last year $11,000.was re- allocated back into the City. Heidt - What can be done about the manure odor and methane gas it creates? It was moved by Boyer and second by Smyth to accept the staff. On roll call vote: AYES: Boyer, Darcy, Heidt, Smyth NOES: None ABSENT: Pederson Motion carried. recommended action of the The City Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency meeting at 7:56 p.m.,"taking a 10 minute break before beginning. Call to order (8:07 p.m.) - All present with the exception of Chairman Pederson. Public Participation (8:08 p.m.) - Dante Gumucio, President of Public Economics, Inc. gave a detailed presentation regarding the concerns of the school districts. Council discussion Boyer - Discussion of the scenarios. Why are the schools entitled to the money? What agencies benefit from this? Mr. Gumucio explained the pass-through payment from recovery. Further discussion included explanation of AB1290. He explained certain formulas that must be used to calculate payments. Also explained components of the percentages. Every tax paying entity is entitled to benefit. Smyth - Questions about the revenue limit concept. Boyer - 'Basic Aid" questions. Mr. Gumucio then handed out a letter regarding Redevelopment Capture of Override Taxes. (see attached) Leonard Brinley, Attorney at Law discussed the Override letter. Gave further explanation of overrides and entities. Ken Pulskamp - Explained that City Manager George Caravalho is in the process of negotiations with CLWA and has requested that this meeting be adjourned until tomorrow or Thursday. Joan MacGregor of the School Board - Very upset that schools are being left out of these negotiations. Schools should be included - the discussion board should be broadened. Smyth - Explained that the concerns of the schools are being expressed at those meetings. That the City represents the schools at the meetings. Heidt - had no problem if the schools wanted to be in on the negotiations with the City and CLWA. 8:45 p.m. - It was moved by Boyer and second by Smyth to adjourn the Redevelopment Agency meeting to November 2, 1994 at 4 p.m. No objections. Motion carried. 8:46 p.m. - The City Council meeting reconvened. It was moved by Boyer and second by Smyth to adjourn the City Council meeting to November 2, 1994. No objections. Motion carried. Darcy - Grand re -opening of Valencia Library is on November 10, 1994 at 11:30 Donna M. G City Clerk mffes.stu-11.1.gmd